Business Leaders Announce Support of Upcoming Millage for Competitive and Fair Compensation for Teachers in Jefferson Parish

By 2-1-19

Photo from Getty images

METAIRIE, La. – An educated workforce, a safe community and contributions to a better quality of life are a few of the catalysts making public education paramount for business. For decades, the business community has been the driving force behind a quality public education system. With the recent School Board election and appointment of Dr. Cade Brumley as Jefferson Parish Superintendent of Education, the Board of Directors of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson Business Council are confident in supporting the upcoming millage for teacher pay raises in Jefferson Parish Public Schools. Details were shared in a press release.

Under the new plan, the average teacher would see an increase of $3,360 in base salary with eligibility for additional stipends. Starting pay for teachers in Jefferson Parish currently ranks 8th out of nine parishes in our region. Average teacher pay in Jefferson Parish trails both the state and nation.

“As the largest school system in Louisiana and the 98th largest in America, we have a responsibility to invest in our biggest asset - the teachers of Jefferson Parish.” said Todd Murphy, president of the Jefferson Chamber. Jefferson Parish schools now lose four out of every ten new teachers and three of every ten veteran teachers.

“Passage of this crucial teacher pay millage will provide the funds necessary to be competitive with surrounding parishes, retain its best educators and recruit top new teachers in Jefferson Parish,” he added.

Increasing teacher pay would undoubtedly bring in and retain more educators and their families to Jefferson Parish.

“Our membership, which consists of some of the largest property owners in the parish, believe that this millage is a much needed investment in the future of our parish,” said Todd Matherne, chairman of the Jefferson Business Council.

The millage, which is an increase of 7.9 mils, will now go before Jefferson Parish voters in the May 4 election.

Early voting is April 20-27 (except Sunday, April 21) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information on the Jefferson Chamber-supported policy and legislation, please visit www.jeffersonchamber.org or contact Todd Murphy at (504) 835-3880 or todd@jeffersonchamber.org.

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